We recommend that all new birds be examined by an avian veterinarian as soon as possible. The veterinarian will ask you questions about where you acquired the bird, what you are feeding it, if you have other birds, if you have noticed anything that concerns you, and so on in order to help you and your new companion get a good start on a long term relationship. The veterinarian will observe your bird's attitude and energy level, and then perform a thorough physical examination.

Yes, avian influenza viruses are found in wild bird populations in North America and occasionally infect domestic poultry. For example, in 2004 outbreaks of avian influenza in U.S. poultry occurred in the New England states and Texas, and were traced to birds from live bird markets. These outbreaks were not caused by the same "bird flu" virus (H5N1) that is currently circulating in Asia. The U.S. outbreaks were quickly contained and there was no impact on human health.

a letter from a doctor in the U.S. authorizing treatment and specifying all costs of the medical care.

Yes. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, there is no evidence that anyone has been infected with H5N1 influenza or other bird flu viruses by eating properly cooked poultry or poultry products (e.g., eggs) derived from infected birds. Cooking food thoroughly will kill bird flu virus and other infectious agents if they are present. No. Although fleas can transmit some diseases, such as bubonic plague, they are not part of the lifecycle of influenza viruses.

The current risk to Americans from the H5N1 bird flu outbreak in Asia is low. The strain of H5N1 virus found in Asia and Europe has not been found in the United States. There have been no human cases of H5N1 flu in the United States. It is possible that travelers returning from affected countries in Asia could be infected if they were exposed to the virus. Since February 2004, medical and public health personnel have been watching closely to find any such cases.

A health certificate is required to bring a dog or cat from the U.K. into the U.S. Such a certificate is usually required by the airlines and the airlines should be contacted concerning any time limitations or other details. The U.K. is a rabies-free area, so the pet will not be quarantined and will not need a rabies vaccination unless required by the state or local authorities at your final destination. Read more...

The current risk for people in the United States from avian flu is low. The risk is low because of two factors. First, we do not have any birds that we know of in the United States at this time with the H5N1 flu strain. Second, because H5N1 is almost never transmitted from human to human at this time, it is not able to spread to large numbers of people. top

No. These territories are a part of the United States. U.S. citizens returning directly from a U.S. territory are not considered to have left the U.S. territory and do not need to present a passport. U.S. territories include the following: Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Swains Island and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

After 48 hours in Canada - $400 U.S. worth of merchandise duty free every 30 days. Families may combine their $400 exemptions. Less than 48 hours, or if the $400 allowance or part of it has been used within the previous 30 days - an exemption of $200 U.S. is allowed.

Yes. Since September 11, the customs and immigration officials are very vigilant. You should receive customs information on your outbound flight. If you do not, please ask a flight attendant or immigration officer for information on US cutoms regulations so that you can plan for your return. Review this information carefully, both for departure and reentry into the United States. Allow adequate time for checking in at the airport, both while leaving and returning.

If your fianc? is not a citizen of the United States and you plan to get married in the United States, then you must file a petition with INS on behalf of your fianc?. After the petition is approved, your fianc? must obtain a visa issued at a U.S. Embassy or consulate abroad. The marriage must take place within 90 days of your fianc? entering the United States. If the marriage does not take place within 90 days or your fianc? marries someone other than you (the U.S.

There is no limit on the amount of money which may be taken in or out of the United States. However, any amount in excess of $10,000 in currency, travelers checks or negotiable instruments, must be declared to the United States Customs at the time of arrival in or departure from the United States. Read more... The amount of money which may be taken out of the United Kingdom is a matter under the jurisdiction of the British Government.

In addition to wild and domestic birds and poultry, humans, domestic cats, and dogs, we know that pigs, palm civets, cynomolgus macaques, New Zealand white rabbits, stone martens, tigers, leopards, ferrets and rats can become infected with the H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus. It's possible that other mammals may also be susceptible to H5N1 HPAI infection.

a letter from a doctor in the U.S. authorizing treatment and specifying all costs of the medical care.

Answer: Yes, you do need a United States physical therapy license. You need to send a photocopy of your license and current registration.

If you have successfully completed English Composition I and II with a grade of C or better, it is not required. If not, a TOEFL must be submitted.

French citizens do not require a visa to enter the United States and may enter under the Visa Waiver Program (if all of the VWP requirements are met).

It depends upon what you mean by outside. It is generally not a good idea to take your bird out into the open without a cage or screened in area. Predatory animals can appear suddenly (seemingly out of nowhere) and startle or attack your bird. With or without such an animal, a bird that has never flown before can suddenly be 30 feet up in a tree, with little hope of coaxing it down. On the other hand, many birds benefit from the fresh air and sunshine available outside.

Layering: Since you are coming in the winter, you should take warm clothes with you – a coat, couple of jumpers and/or sweater, and a pair of snow boots. However, buildings are quite warm even though it is freezing cold outside so do not go for a big super-warm jacket or sweater because it will be heavy and inconvenient. It is a good idea to wear several layers of thin clothes. For example, you may want to wear an under shirt, jumper, sweater, and winter coat.